Will McCain Learn Anything?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/opinion/30herbert.html?ei=5070&emc=eta1

Revolt of the Nihilists

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/opinion/30brooks.html?_r=1&ei=5070&emc=eta1&oref=slogin

Kucinich on the Bail-out

http://www.democracynow.org/2008/9/29/is_this_the_united_states_congress

Rich on McCain

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/opinion/28rich.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

Nobel Laureates in Science Endorse Obama

61 Nobel Laureates in Science Endorse Obama

A group of 61 Nobel Laureates has gotten together to endorse Barack Obama for President. Their letter and the signatories are below. This is the largest number of Nobel Laureates to ever endorse a candidate for office.

An Open Letter to the American People
September 25, 2008

This year's presidential election is among the most significant in our nation's history. The country urgently needs a visionary leader who can ensure the future of our traditional strengths in science and technology and who can harness those strengths to address many of our greatest problems: energy, disease, climate change, security, and economic competitiveness.

We are convinced that Senator Barack Obama is such a leader, and we urge you to join us in supporting him.

During the administration of George W. Bush, vital parts of our country's scientific enterprise have been damaged by stagnant or declining federal support. The government's scientific advisory process has been distorted by political considerations. As a result, our once dominant position in the scientific world has been
shaken and our prosperity has been placed at risk. We have lost time critical for the development of new ways to provide energy, treat disease, reverse climate change, strengthen our security, and improve our economy.

We have watched Senator Obama's approach to these issues with admiration. We especially applaud his emphasis during the campaign on the power of science and technology to enhance our nation's
competitiveness. In particular, we support the measures he plans to take – through new initiatives in education and training, expanded research funding, an unbiased process for obtaining scientific advice, and an appropriate balance of basic and applied research – to meet the nation's and the world's most urgent needs.

Senator Obama understands that Presidential leadership and federal investments in science and technology are crucial elements in successful governance of the world's leading country. We hope you will join us as we work together to ensure his election in November.

Signed,

Alexei Abrikosov Physics 2003
Roger Guillemin Medicine 1977
Peter Agre Chemistry 2003
John L. Hall Physics 2005
Sidney Altman Chemistry 1989
Leland H. Hartwell Medicine 2001
Philip W. Anderson Physics 1977
Dudley Herschbach Chemistry 1986
Richard Axel Medicine 2004
Roald Hoffmann Chemistry 1981
David Baltimore Medicine 1975
H. Robert Horvitz Medicine 2002
Baruj Benacerraf Medicine 1980
Louis Ignarro Medicine 1998
Paul Berg Chemistry 1980
Eric R. Kandel Medicine 2000
J. Michael Bishop Medicine 1989
Walter Kohn Chemistry 1998
N. Bloembergen Physics 1981
Roger Kornberg Chemistry 2006

Virus Alert

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp

Food--From Bad to Worse

Local food?
Grow your own chickens, anyone? Consumers Union: FDA Will Not Require Labeling of Genetically Engineered Animals That Are Sold As Food
http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2008/09/18-15
PS Read the comments too.

US Media's Demise

http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/326.html

Blocking the Black Vote

Lost Homes, Lost Votes: Are Republicans Trying to Block Foreclosed Homeowners from Voting in Michigan? * The Democratic National Committee and the Obama campaign have filed a federal lawsuit to block a controversial voter suppression tactic in Michigan. The Michigan Messenger reported this week that the chairman of the Republican Party in Macomb County is planning to use a list of foreclosed homes to block people from voting in the upcoming election as part of a Republican effort to challenge some voters on Election Day. Listen/Watch/Read

www.democracynow.org/2008/9/18/lost_homes_lost_votes_are_republicans

Historic 2008 Election Could See Unprecedented Attempts to Bar African American Voters * As we continue on the subject of voter suppression and race, we turn to Queens College political science professor and bestselling author Andrew Hacker. In the latest issue of the New York Review of Books, Hacker writes, "Obstacles to getting blacks to vote have always been formidable, but this year there will be barriers—some new, some long-standing—that previous campaigns have not had to face." Listen/Watch/Read

www.democracynow.org/2008/9/18/historic_2008_election_could_see

Concert, Sept. 21, Aberdeen

http://www.theroosterswife.org/
The Circuit Riders coming the 21st

Lehman, Global Finances

Lehman Bros files for bankruptcy
Top US investment bank Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy protection, in a move that is rocking global financial markets.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/business/7615931.stm

From Democratic Women of Moore County

This Thursday, Sept. 18 @ 7:30 PM at Owens Auditorium of Sandhills Community College, the upcoming Ruth Pauley Lecture
Topic: “Embedded in Iraq” panel discussion with reporters from 4 local newspapers ( Charlotte, Fayettville, Raleigh and the Pilot) The lectures are free to the public and a reception follows.

Monday, Oct. 13 @ 10:30 AM – Candidates Forum: Betty Mangum, Democrat and Jamie Boles, Republican, running for NC House representing Moore County. This event is being sponsored by NARFE (National Active & Retired Federal Employees), Their membership is primarily republican, so Betty needs our support - please try to attend. It will be held at the Community Congregational Church, 141 N. Bennett St. (Corner of Bennett and New Hampshire), Southern Pines.

Thursday, October 16 from 5-7 PM - RALLY FOR CHANGE… with Betty Mangum, Abraham Odeh, Tony Berk, and Jim Wimsatt representing Barak Obama. Wine, cheese, & snacks will be served, at Watts Auman Farm on Hwy 73, West End (Peach Farm), Sponsored by the Seven Lakes and West End Area Democratic Precincts. Everyone welcomed. Questions: contact Bill and Jean Schmidt at billschmidt@nc.rr.com

Turmoil in Bolivia

Move to tackle Bolivian turmoil Chile calls an emergency meeting of the Union of South American Nations to help resolve the crisis in Bolivia.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/7614784.stm

Eve Ensler on Palin

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eve-ensler/drill-drill-drill_b_124829.html

McCain's Lobbyists

http://www.johnmccainrecord.com/mclobbyist/

Conservation Insider Bulletin, Sept 12

Conservation Council of NC Endorsements: Here it is—CCNC's comprehensive November endorsement slate! Included are 48 N.C. House candidates, 22 N.C. Senate candidates, and three Council of State candidates. The slate includes Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers. Endorsement decisions are made by the CCNC Board of Directors upon recommendation of the Conservation PAC board. Factors taken into account include the voting and leadership record of incumbents, issue questionnaire responses, recommendations from local environmental leaders, and candidates' interest in receiving the CCNC endorsement. Drumroll...the envelope please:

N.C. House:

Alice Underhill, District 3, (D-Craven)
Angela Bryant, District 7, (D-Nash)
Marian McLawhorn District 9, (D-Pitt)
William Wainwright, District 12, (D-Craven)
Barbara Garrity-Blake, District 13, (D-Carteret)
Robert Grady, District 15, (R-Onslow)
Carolyn Justice, District 16, (R-Pender)
Danny McComas, District 19, (R-New Hanover)
Joe Tolson, District 23, (D-Wilson)
Jean Farmer-Butterfield, District 24, (D-Wilson)
Larry Hall, District 29, (D-Durham)
Paul Luebke, District 30, (D-Durham)
Mickey Michaux, District 31, (D-Durham)
Dan Blue, District 33, (D-Wake)
Grier Martin, District 34, (D-Wake)
Jennifer Weiss, District 35, (D-Wake)
Al Swanstrom, District 36, (D-Wake)
Ed Ridpath, District 37, (D-Wake)
Deborah Ross, District 38, (D-Wake)
Linda Coleman, District 39 (D-Wake)
Ty Harrell, District 41, (D-Wake)
Margaret Dickson, District 44, (D-Cumberland)
Rick Glazier, District 45, (D-Cumberland)
Lucy Allen, District 49, (D-Franklin)
Jimmy Love, District 51, (D-Lee)
Joe Hackney, District 54, (D-Orange)
Verla Insko, District 56, (D-Orange)
Pricey Harrison, District 57, (D-Guilford)
Alma Adams, District 58 (D-Guilford)
Maggie Jeffus, District 59, (D-Guilford)
Earl Jones, District 60, (D-Guilford)
Alice Bordsen, District 63, (D-Alamance)
Melanie Goodwin, District 66, (D-Richmond)
Larry Womble, District 71, (D-Forsyth)
Larry Brown, District 73, (R-Forsyth)
Bill McGee, District 75, (R-Forsyth)
Julia Howard, District 79, (R-Iredell)
Jim Harrell, District 90, (D-Alleghany)
Cullie Tarleton, District 93, (D-Watauga)
Tricia Cotham, District 100 (D-Mecklenburg)
Becky Carney, District 102 (D-Mecklenburg)
Ruth Samuelson, District 104 (R-Mecklenburg)
Martha Alexander, District 106 (D-Mecklenburg)
Bob England, District 112, (D-Rutherford)
Susan Fisher, District 114, (D-Buncombe)
Jane Whilden, District 116, (D-Buncombe)
Ray Rapp, District 118, (D-Madison)
Phil Haire, District 119, (D-Jackson)

N.C. Senate:

Marc Basnight, District 1 (D-Dare)
Don Davis, District 5 (D-Greene)
Doug Berger, District 7 (D-Franklin)
Charlie Albertson, District, (D-Duplin)
Neal Hunt, District 15, (R-Wake)
Josh Stein, District 16, (D-Wake)
Bob Atwater, District 18, (D-Chatham)
Tony Rand, District 19, (D-Cumberland)
Ellie Kinnaird, District 23, (D-Orange)
Tony Foriest, District 24, (D-Caswell)
Bill Purcell, District 25, (D-Scotland)
Katie Dorsett, District 28, (D-Guilford)
Linda Garrou, District 32, (D-Forysth)
Stan Bingham, District 33, (D-Davidson)
Fletcher Hartsell, District 36, (D-Cabarrus)
Dan Clodfelter, District 37, (D-Mecklenburg)
Malcolm Graham, District 40, (D-Mecklenburg)
Austin Allran, District 42, (R-Catawba)
Steve Goss, District 45, (D-Watauga)
Joe Sam Queen, District 47, (D-Haywood)
Martin Nesbitt, District 49, (D-Buncombe)
John Snow, District 50, (D-Cherokee)

Council of State:

Beverly Perdue, Governor
Roy Cooper, Attorney General
Janet Cowell, Treasurer

Between now and November, CIB will return to certain key endorsements for more detailed review.

Carter Attacked for Green Stance: CIB has previously noted U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx's (R-NC5) enthusiasm for the drill-everywhere-now campaign of the OilHeads leading her November ticket. This week, we observe that she is fundraising on the issue with email blasts attacking her opponent (Roy Carter) for his more moderate stance. Foxx rails against the "liberal Democrat Congress" and warns that her opponent is running TV ads against her, saying, "He is a radical environmentalist named Roy Carter who has criticized my support of the "all of the above" energy plan. He is already toeing the liberal Democrat party's line by opposing drilling in America's vast oil resources in Alaska and offshore." Of course, with a sorry 10% rating on the national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) scorecard for all of the last three years, one doesn't have to be out of the American mainstream to qualify as a "radical environmentalist" on the Foxx scale. In fact, we'd worry about a candidate that she doesn't attack on that score.

(CIB Editor's Note: CCNC does not make endorsements in federal contests. Opinions expressed regarding candidates in those races are those of the Editor only, except as noted when reporting endorsements or comments from other parties.)

Coast Watch: Hatteras Settlement Upheld

When is a judicial "consent decree" not a consensus? When one side takes the issue to Congress. Local off-road vehicle fans in Dare County are trying to get Congress to overturn a federal District Court order setting out times and limits on beach driving along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Conservationists and the National Park Service (NPS) are defending the order.

This spring, U.S. District Court Judge Terrence Boyle issued an order (by consent agreement of the parties) to restrict beach driving in the national park, in order to protect wildlife that use the beach for nesting. Birds and sea turtles using the beach include several endangered species. The NPS reports that survival rates of one endangered bird are already up.

Disgruntled off-roaders, supported by the Dare County Commission, went to Congress, where U.S. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) introduced legislation to dump the limits. This week, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted down the bill by the narrowest of margins, 11-12. It was a party-line vote with the Democrats siding with conservationists and wildlife and the Republicans voting against them and for the off-road drivers. (Raleigh News & Observer, 9/11/08.)

CIB suspects that Teddy Roosevelt is spinning in his grave. Dole and Burr should watch out for a night-time visitation from the ghost of the original Rough Rider.

Administrative Watch: Moreau Steps Down at EMC

To the sorrow of many conservationists, long-time N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC) chair Dave Moreau announced last week that he intends to step down as commission chair. Moreau was appointed to the post by Gov. Jim Hunt in 1993 and has served in the role since that time through the administrations of Hunt and current Gov. Mike Easley. That's a total of 15 years, including two full six-year terms and the first three years of a third.

In a letter to Easley dated September 2, Moreau indicated that he was available to serve until Easley or his successor named a new chair. Moreau's current term as an EMC member does not expire until 2011. The appointment as chair of the EMC is made separately and lasts at the pleasure of the governor.

Moreau is a scientist and former head of the planning school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as the N.C. Water Resources Research Institute based at N.C. State University. He has led the EMC through intense controversies over both air and water quality issues, including wetlands rules, nitrogen oxides limits, mercury restrictions, riparian buffer rules, drinking water reservoir cleanup plans, and stormwater management controls. He does not always side with environmental advocates, but is broadly respected among the environmental community for his expertise and open approach.

Molly Diggins, state director of the Sierra Club, called Moreau's retirement the "end of an era".

Venezuela Expells US Ambassador

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/09/12-3

Krugman on Campaign

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/12/opinion/12krugman.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Putting Small Acreage to Work

Are you a farmer who is looking for new income-producing opportunities? Do you have land and desire to farm? The Randolph County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension invites the public to a series of classes about Putting Small Acreage to Work. Classes addressing basic business planning, marketing, and several specific enterprises will be held on Monday nights during October and November. Topics are as follows: October 6, The Business Concept Model; October 13, Marketing the Small Farm; October 21, Growing Grapes for the Fresh Market; November 3, Aquaculture Possibilities for the Piedmont; November 10, Grains for the Small Farm; and November 17, Growing Blackberries.

Instructors will include personnel from North Carolina State University, NC Cooperative Extension, and Randolph Community College.

Classes will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension office at 112 W. Walker Ave., in Asheboro. The charge for attending all classes is a one-time fee of $15 per individual or $20 per couple. Alternatively, individuals can pay $5 per class. Call 336-318-6000 by October 1 to register for one or more classes. Registration fees can be sent by mail or paid at the door.

Also during this time, North Carolina State University and Cooperative Extension personnel will teach a class titled “Raising Backyard Chickens 101” at the Archdale Center of Randolph Community College, at 110 Park Drive, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on October 27. Information taught in this class will be applicable to those who are interested in raising pastured poultry. Call 336-862-7980 for more information. There is no charge for this class.

For accommodations for persons with disabilities, contact Wanda Howe at 336-318-6000, no later than five business days before the event.

US Ambassador Expelled

Bolivia to expel US ambassador
President Evo Morales accuses the US ambassador to Bolivia of encouraging the break-up of the country and orders him to leave.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/7609487.stm

World View on US Election

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7606100.stm

McCain's Integrity

http://www.truthout.org/article/mccains-integrity

Urban Agriculture

http://www.groovygreen.com/groove/?p=2312

Urban Farming Not Just for Foodies

http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/16-09/st_thompson

Facts Under Attack

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/mccain-palin_distorts_our_finding.html

Urban Beekeeping

http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/1212942.html

The Next Big Thing

http://www.thestar.com/article/232034

We Get the Bill

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion/356921

Low Pay, Big Rewards

We have an URGENT need for more volunteers.

The Food Pantry and Clothing Volunteers are staying much later than ever and we are considering adding a second shift in both departments. The Employment office needs three more volunteers to ensure that each day is covered. The Resale Shops need afternoon shift workers from 1 - 4 pm. The Screening Dept will be scheduling four screeners a day in Nov and Dec.

The need is TREMENDOUS but I feel sure there are people that will help. Please consider, if you have the time to work another shift
possibly in another department. If you are interested, give us a call at 693-1600 and we will get your message to Gert Strine, our wonderful Director of Volunteers.

If you can believe it, we are averaging 30 households a day now
at the Gilmore Building. Your work is very IMPORTANT! You are making life better for many children and adults who live in poverty in Moore County.

Sincerely,
Caroline Eddy, Executive Director
Sandhills/Moore Coalition for Human Care
1500 W. Indiana Ave.
Southern Pines, NC 28387
910-693-1600 fax 910-693-1051
coalition@pinehurst.net

Does Language Matter? Really?

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2008/09/08-2

Embedded in Iraq III, Pinehurst, 9/18

The Ruth Pauley Lecture Series begins its 22nd season with “Embedded in Iraq III” featuring print and photo journalists from the Fayetteville Observer in a roundtable discussion moderated by the Pilot’s David Woronoff.
The discussion will be on September 18th at 7:30 p.m. in Owens Auditorium on the Sandhills Community College campus in Pinehurst. Admission is free and open to the public, no tickets required. For additional information, call 910-245-3132.

MBB plays Grand Opening, Dog Nation Grill, Carthage, 9/12

The McKenzie Brothers Band

September, 12 2008 at Dognation Grill - Carthage
TBA, Carthage, 28327
Cost : FREE - Open to the Public!!

GRAND OPENING of the Dognation Grill in lovely Carthage, NC!! Who better to kick things off with than the MBB! Make plans now to come on out.

Less Meat, More Planet

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7600005.stm

Dem Women, Moore County, Sept. 13

The next meeting for the Democratic Women of Moore County
Saturday, Sept 13th at headquarters, Carthage at 10 AM.
We will be discussing how to help support our candidates for the upcoming election. Speaker will be Swede Boreen, US veteran, describing about his experiences during the bombing of Pearl Harbor (USS Oklahoma).
Hope you can join us. Feel free to bring a friend. Go DEMOCRATS!!!! We want this to be a winning election!!!

Iraqi Marshes on World Heritage

http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKWAL45841420080905

Donate Obama Campaign

[from barack obama website]

Yesterday God told me to make a donation to the Obama Campaign, after denying any conversations with Sarah Palin calling for the Iraq War or the building of a natural gas pipeline in Alaska. God did admit, however, to asking Sarah to name her first born Track, but offered no explanation for this behavior. Never being inclined to argue with God, I sent my money.

On behalf of the world's moose population and small town librarians running from the rage of Evangelical censors everywhere, I appeal to you to keep Cain and Not so Able out of the White House.

It's going to take millions more in donations to compete against John McCain and the machinery of Karl "the Cutter" Rove. They are raising more money than ever -- collecting huge checks from the Religious Right, Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs who will do everything to cling to power in Washington as unemployment rises, the market crashes and millions lose their homes and head off to the trailer parks.

Yes, he can be a bit low key and academic, but Obama he is truly bright and is not taking any contributions from Washington lobbyists and political action committees.

So cough up some cash. It is what God would want you to do and many a moose will be grateful.

https://donate.barackobama.com/donateinvite

Banned Books Week, ALA, Sept.

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.cfm

More About Alcohol Fuel

http://www.permaculture.com/

Concert, Sept. 7, Aberdeen

http://www.theroosterswife.org/

Protest Journalist Abuse in MN

http://allalongtheedge.blogspot.com/2008/09/protest-journalist-harrassment.html

Coke in China

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7595283.stm
[coca-cola to purchase Chinese fruit juice company]

How We Became Slaves to Oil Industry

http://www.brasschecktv.com/page/421.html
[history of how America shifted from alcohol to gasoline]

Reinventing the World at Gaviotas

http://www.urbanecology.org.au/articles/gaviotas.html

Heads Up--Real Virus

http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/ups.asp

Palin Checked by FBI? Didn't Happen

http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/09/palin_and_the_fbi_background_c.php [Yet another 'misstatement' by the McCain campaign]

McCain Caught In Another Lie

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/02/uselections2008.republicans20085?gusrc=rss&feed=worldnews

"Palin was never a member of the AIP [Alaskan Independence Party]." False according to The Guardian, UK

When Our Only News Is Crafted. . .

If the only “news” we know is crafted by those who have seized the tools of power and wield it for their own purposes, democracy can turn to facism before our blind eyes.

Award winning journalist and host of "Democracy Now" Amy Goodman and two of her staff were brutally arrested while covering the Republican National Convention. All three were clearly identified by press passes, two of the three with the highest clearance. See
the horrifying report:

http://www.democracynow.org/, 9/2/08.

DemocracyNow's Goodman Detained in MN

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters/352466

Food Declaration

http://fooddeclaration.org/

Of What Moral Stuff Are We Made?

http://allalongtheedge.blogspot.com/2008/09/of-what-moral-stuff-are-we-made.html